An industry ready for new talent, skills and perspectives.
The challenge.
What many people see as “just collecting rubbish” is a £24 billion cornerstone of the UK economy. The sector employs 143,000 people. Over the next decade, it needs 68,000 more in reuse, repair, remanufacturing, regulation, data, logistics, engineering and leadership.
It is the bedrock of the circular economy, keeping materials in use, protecting natural resources and enabling sustainable growth.
Yet it faces serious challenges.
The workforce is ageing. Only 5% are aged 16–24. Just 16% are women, and only 13.8% of senior roles are held by women. Over half of employers are struggling to fill critical positions, from drivers and operatives to technical specialists and regulators.
At a time when new legislation is transforming the sector, fresh skills, new perspectives and more diverse voices are needed more than ever.
The opportunity.
Making hidden careers visible to the workforce of tomorrow.
New research commissioned by ‘Think Again’ reveals that the sector isn’t struggling to recruit because people don’t care. It’s struggling because most people never see the opportunities it offers.
This creates opportunity. The future workforce is out there. The challenge is making the sector visible, appealing, credible and relevant to them.
The research.
Understanding the sector’s talent challenge.
Think Again builds on newly commissioned independent sector research exploring why the UK waste and resource sector struggles to attract talent despite its scale, purpose and growth potential.
The research involved school leavers, graduates and career returners, using diary studies, video reflections and focus groups to uncover how people make career decisions and why the sector is often overlooked.
Key findings
The term “waste” creates negative first impressions and actively discourages interest.
Most people are unaware of the breadth of careers available across the sector.
When candidates see real opportunities, salaries and progression pathways, perceptions improve immediately.
Career decisions are driven first by identity, safety and future potential - not purpose alone.
The sector is competing with industries that communicate their career stories more clearly and confidently.
Download the report
Access the full findings and recommendations from the report.
Our research revealed one clear insight: people are not rejecting the sector they simply do not see themselves in it.
The organisations that succeed in recruitment will not be those that shout the loudest, but those that make it easy for people to think:
“That could be me.”
To support employers across the UK waste and resources sector, we have developed practical recruitment guidance tailored to different talent groups, including:
School Leavers
Graduates
Career Returners
These downloadable guides provide actionable recommendations to help organisations attract, engage and retain new talent.
Recruitment guidance
A movement for change.
Think Again is bringing together forward-thinking organisations committed to reshaping perceptions of the waste sector and attracting the workforce of the future. We are calling on companies across the industry to sign a pledge and commit to five practical actions that our research shows can significantly enhance the sector's appeal to a broader and more diverse pool of job seekers.
By working together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more attractive industry. Click the link below to learn more about the campaign and how your organisation can be part of the change.